Author Archives: Gandalfe

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About Gandalfe

Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Pacifica Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) and participate in other ensembles. Mostly enjoy time with family and friends.

What do you consider ‘off the table’

Posted on June 19, 2009 by Gandalfe

I was thinking the other day about successful organizations, blogs, and the like. Successful organizations or publications are not created in isolation but thrive with constant interactions, review, and comparisons to like activities. Negotiations happen all the time and often … Continue reading →

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Oslo is for Lovers

Posted on June 14, 2009 by Gandalfe

We were only in port for about 8 hours today and got on a bus almost immediately. All the bus drivers were women which was different from everywhere else that we have been this trip. The highlight of the day … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 5 Comments

Poland, home to storks, castles, and lost bus drivers

Posted on June 13, 2009 by Gandalfe

Poland brought us to the medieval castle of Malbork located near the city of Gdansk. I must have taken over 300 pictures of the castle before we even got to Gdansk to view the Church of Mary.        We … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 5 Comments

Tallinn: Churches, Museums, and Vistas

Posted on June 11, 2009 by Gandalfe

We visited the Baltic republic of Estonia today and I ended up taking 200 pictures in just 3 hours. Every corner of this ancient town was full of unique hand-made architectural delights, towers, walls, and gates.    The people are … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 4 Comments

St. Petersburg: Guards, Gates, Pickpockets and Brides

Posted on June 10, 2009 by Gandalfe

I wasn’t really surprised by the security surrounding everything the Russians do, but it was annoying. Everywhere else in the EU we breeze through security. In Russia there are extra paperwork requirements like xerox’d copies of passport and other ‘special’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 2 Comments

Helsinki, I missed Harri!

Posted on June 8, 2009 by Gandalfe

Late last night Harri, a Finn and the owner of the SOTW, pinged me on Facebook to see if we could have a breakfast or drinks tomorrow morning when we arrive in Helsinki. I let him know we might be … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 3 Comments

If this is day four, it must be Stockholm

Posted on June 7, 2009 by Gandalfe

The history of Stockholm proved to be fascinating and we heard about it from the ship historian and again on tour. For example, a newly commissioned ship for King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden in 1628 named Vasa, at that time … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 4 Comments

Day 3 – at Sea

Posted on June 7, 2009 by Gandalfe

What a whirlwind day with shows, shopping, (well me following the shoppers, Deb and Suzy), and so … much … food. We especially like the music with the 3-horn jazz and dixie band, musicals with really talented dancers, and comedians. … Continue reading →

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Day Two: Copenhagen and on the Princess Emerald

Posted on June 5, 2009 by Gandalfe

We got a nice night’s sleep because we were all so tired. After a hearty breakfast buffet that set us back 545 Kroners (what’s that about) we headed out to find the town center. We were told that everyone walks … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 4 Comments

Day One: Copenhagen

Posted on June 4, 2009 by Gandalfe

After an uneventful nine hour, non-stop flight from Seattle to Copenhagen, we met my sister Debby at the baggage pickup area. Suzy and I flew economy which means that my knees were lodged tightly under my chin. Being 6′ 4" … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 2 Comments